Slow and steady wins the race, they say. But does that hold true for videogames?

As Microsoft and Sony prepare to release new consoles next month—the first since 2005 and 2006, respectively–they face a gaming landscape that has changed significantly. In 2008, 42% of U.S. gamers said a console was their primary platform, while 37% played mostly on a PC, 6% on a hand-held dedicated gaming device, and 5% on a phone or tablet, according to SuperData Research.

Today, 51% say they play mostly on a PC, with the percentage playing primarily on a console down to 30%. Hand-held gaming devices are now 5%, and mobile devices command 13%.

Several factors are pushing gamers to non-dedicated devices, including the popularity of social games and free-to-play massive multiplayer online games, SuperData says. These have attracted new players. Meanwhile, the average U.S. gamer owns 2.6 dedicated gaming devices already.

But console makers must also take some of the blame: Compare the lag between their new-model releases with continuous innovation by PC and mobile manufacturers. Console games are often much more impressive, but the action has been elsewhere.